‘Michael Jackson ONE,’ Duran Duran, ‘Fantasy’ and more Vegas showbiz news

Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson ONE” celebrated the King of Pop’s birthday with two days of special performances and activities at Mandalay Bay Aug. 28 and 29. Among the events were a special screening of the documentary “The Making of Michael Jackson’s Thriller” followed by a Q&A session with Jackson’s iconic album’s musical director and keyboardist Greg Phillinganes — also marking 40 years of “Thriller” — as well as book signings, meet-and-greets and a private brunch where Sony Music presented new certification plaques for the four hit singles on the album. “Michael Jackson ONE” also debuted a new VIP experience that includes private entrance and early access to the theater at Mandalay Bay, a pre-show reception, a guided video tour, meet-and-greets with cast members, VIP seating and more. The show returns Thursdays through Mondays at 7 and 9:30 p.m. and more information is available at cirquedusoleil.com/michael-jackson-one.

Duran Duran quickly sold out its upcoming Labor Day weekend concerts at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas, so the band decided to come back for more. The group will continue its Future Past Tour there on Oct. 30 and 31, with tickets going on sale Sept. 2. In other entertainment event announcements this week: UB40, The Original Wailers, Maxi Priest and Big Mountain are teaming up for the Bigga Baggariddim Tour, which visits the Sunset Station Amphitheater on Sept. 24; Jazz master Jonathan Butler returns to the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station on Sept. 25; and goth-rock group Drab Majesty plays downtown’s busy Backstage Bar & Billiards on Oct. 27.

Recently announced and completing the cast of “Bat Out of Hell: The Musical” — which opens at Paris Las Vegas on September 27 — is the starring role of Strat, to be played by Travis Cormier. The singer and actor has appeared on the Canadian version of “The Voice,” recorded his first studio album “Dollars & Hearts” and opened for Bon Jovi, among other stage and screen achievements. “Bat Out of Hell” will perform Tuesday through Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. in the Paris Theater, with tickets available at Ticketmaster and batoutofhellvegas.com.

Fremont Street bar and cabaret Cheapshot has added additional showings of “Miss Behave’s Mavericks” to the schedule. Now the tiny stage full of comedy, burlesque, circus and singing acts will see all the talented “Mavericks” at 7 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, and 8 and 9:30 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets can be found at cheapshotdtlv.com.

“Fantasy” at Luxor is planning an extra spicy weekend to celebrate El Grito, aka Mexican Independence Day weekend, in September. Headlining singer Lorena Peril, fresh off a successful solo performance at the Italian American Club, will perform mariachi classic “La Charreada” during the Sept. 16 performance of the award-winning and long-running female revue. For tickets or more info, visit fantasyluxor.com.